Bugs, Bugs and more Bugs on the Crossandra

I have a beautiful Crossandra, well, it wants to be beautiful, but it has a problem.  For the longest time, I thought they little specks were the seeds or some part of the plant.  You see, I have never had a Crossandra.  Upon giving it a better inspection, I found that they were aphids!! and were they thick.  Or maybe they are spider mites...I found some web like stuff today.  Anyway, I dusted about a week ago. Oh did it start to look better.  The blooms were healthy looking and it was putting out new growth.  Then today...ants were on it...little red ants..were they eating the dead aphids?  I am not sure what they were doing, but I know it was covered again with aphids...just thick, thick, thick.  I sprayed with ant killer...for the ants and then I dusted for the aphids.  I have no idea if the plant will live.  Next, I think I will get a Q-tip and some alcohol and swab it.  Maybe that will cut down on the numbers.  http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/annual/crossandra/

Take a look at a healthy Crossandra.  This winter I was going to bring it into the house, but there is no way that will happen with all the bug problems.  Any suggestions?